Iraq has continually denied having a nuclear weapons program, but information from defectors proves otherwise. Iraq
has two of three key components to build a nuclear bomb — a cadre of nuclear scientists and a bomb design. Since
1998, Saddam Hussein has been trying to acquire the final component, fissile material, to create a nuclear explosion.

To create fissile material, Iraq
has to develop ways to enrich
uranium and is alleged to be
acquiring techniques such as
electromagnetic isotope
separation, gas centrifuge, and
gas diffusion.

Iraq has tried repeatedly to
acquire high-specification
aluminum tubes from 11
countries, even after inspections
resumed. The aluminum tubes
are banned for Iraq.

Aluminum tube that can be used for enriching uranium

Experts who have examined
the aluminum tubes (above)
that were seized before they
reached Baghdad agree that
the tubes were intended to
serve as rotors in gas
centrifuges to enrich uranium.

Other experts and the Iraqis
argue that they are for
producing rocket bodies for a
conventional weapon,
although the specifications
exceed US requirements for
comparable rockets.

Between 1999 and 2002,
Iraqi officials have tried to
buy a magnet production
plant and machines for
balancing gas centrifuge
rotors.